WebProNews

Tag: YouNow

  • David Lynch, A Web-based Talent Show and Bad Lip Reading

    Who knew filmmaker David Lynch was a solo artist capable of making some pretty crazy sounding music? I suppose his style of film should provide a clue at what kind of music Lynch would make if he were to do so, and I have no doubt what you imagine will be a lot like “Crazy Clown Time,” if, somehow, the title of the song didn’t clue you in.

    Lynch’s awesome song is just one of today’s top videos, which also includes information about the YouNow talent show, another incredible offering from the folks at Bad Lip Reading, this time, their focus is on Michelle Bachman. In the words of Korn, are you ready? I’m not quite sure you are. If so, then take my hand and I’ll get us started off with this crazy offering from David Lynch.

    Enjoy the trip:


    Yes, as a matter of fact, that is David Lynch singing. In fact, according to the YouTube page, Lynch performed and produced the tracks on his upcoming album. Sounds like the perfect soundtrack to drop acid to, if that’s your thing. Hat-tip to Boing Boing for pointing Lynch’s work out.

    Speaking of talent, the next offering is an interview by WebProNews’ own Abby Johnson. In her latest piece, Abby interviews Adi Sideman, the CEO and founder of YouNow.com. YouNow is essentially an online talent show in the same vein as American Idol and X-Factor, expect, it’s much more interactive. Take a look at what Sideman had to share with Abby:


    This next piece is a labor of love, courtesy of Desrumaux Celine. The video, which is titled “Countdown,” is an awesome piece of animation. The subject manner is the launch of rocket, and the final product is pretty close to masterpiece status; at least to this writer:

    Countdown – HD from Desrumaux Celine on Vimeo.


    Here’s a link to Celine’s blogspot in case you’re interested in knowing more about this skilled artist.

    Next up is the awesome folks at Bad Lip Reading. Their latest target is Michelle Bachman, and much like the Obama and Rick Perry pieces, it pretty much nails everything:


    See more of their work at the Bad Lip Reading Tumblr site.

    Finally, from the self-serving pile, here’s EA’s latest attempt to market its highly anticipated Battlefield 3 video game, which comes out on the 25th of October. This latest piece is apparently meant a Facebook-only video, and, in fact, it’s unlisted on YouTube, but instead of making you jump through any Facebook hoops — you can do so at Battlefield’s Facebook page if you’d like — here’s the embed, and it features some NFL players you’re probably familiar with:


    Until next time, enjoy the videos. If you see any that should be featured in this segment, feel free to drop us a line.

  • New Online Reality Network Provides Alternative to Hit TV Talent Shows

    Are you a reality TV fan? I’m not sure what it is, but I can’t help but get sucked into shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and The Voice. The level of excitement that comes with reality television could be the attraction because it is very different from the experience that a traditional television series creates.

    Do you prefer reality TV, conventional TV shows, or a mix of both? Let us know.

    Since reality TV has created such an engaged audience, Adi Sideman and his team at YouNow saw the need to bring a similar experience to the Internet. They launched YouNow launched at TechCrunch Disrupt as a social television platform.

    As Sideman explained to us, social television, or open television, is “the idea that anyone can participate in the TV experience.” Through YouNow, he said that anyone has the ability to be a contestant, viewer, judge, or commenter.

    Unlike reality shows on network television, there are no auditions on YouNow. Users simply need a webcam to broadcast their talent. The real-time viewing audience can then vote the talent up or down in a crowdsourcing fashion. The more votes the contestant receives, the more airtime he or she gets. However, if the contestant gets voted down, the opportunity is lost and the next person in the queue gets the spotlight.

    Through its partnership with MP3.com, YouNow also offers contests such as an “Artist of the Week” for the following musical categories: Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, and Country. These finalists are also featured on MP3.com as the “Free MP3 of the Day.” YouNow is also partnering with CBS and Indaba Music in order to not only bring more perks to the participants but to also serve as part of its business model.

    The other part of YouNow’s business model is a bit more interesting since it relates to the social gaming side of the platform. Both the broadcasters and the real-time audience members can purchase virtual goods to enhance a broadcaster’s performance. For instance, they can buy a performer a background, give him or her tips, flowers, or even something negative, if they want.

    Sideman told us that all these elements give users a new and interesting place to display their talent.

    “The 10s of 100s of people who are waiting in line to get on American Idol need a venue as well,” he said.

    The service is definitely intriguing, but one can’t help but ask why someone would use YouNow when YouTube has also opened doors for talent, AKA Justin Beiber. Sideman, however, explained that YouNow and YouTube provide very different but complimentary experiences.

    “YouTube is a great place to upload your video, but YouNow is a great place to broadcast live and get real-time feedback,” he said.

    Sideman also told us that YouNow archives all its clips on YouTube.

    Going forward, YouNow plans to broaden its categories beyond Music and Talk to include areas such as Confessions, Comedy, and more. The company will additionally be rolling out an iPhone app very soon.

    “The promise to broadcast from anywhere and participate from anywhere is really the centerpiece of what we’re doing,” said Sideman.